Car Insurance claim! Please Help

Ads1982

Hello all!! I need some advice as I have been rather careless (and stupid).

Last night I was involved in a car accident. Somebody hit me, and drove off. I am fine, but my car is fairly badly dented. I reported the incident to the police and they told me to produce my documents etc...

Whilst going through my stuff this morning, I realised that when I changed my numberplate (a few months ago), I have completely forgotten to tell my inssurers. I tried to call the claim line (but they are closed today).

What do people think will happen? Will they invalidate my claim, because I have failed to inform them of a change in registration mark?

Any advice appreciated!

Cheers

tab2

Im not sure to be honest. Technically you are insured for the number plate which is on your insurance documents so in that case no. However in some cases cars have been insured under the chassis number whilst they are waiting for private plates or something so you might be able to argue that your chassis number is the same.
Good luck
Tab

raskazz

Hmm, tricky one. The exact policy wording would be helpful. Some initial thoughts:

It looks like you are in breach of a policy condition (usually found under 'general conditions') that requires you to notify the insurer as soon as possible of any changes in your circumstances.

However, the FSA's line is that insurers should not repudiate a claim on grounds of breach of condition where the breach is unconnected with the circumstances of the claim.

Certainly the undisclosed change in registration alone is not connected with the circumstances of the claim. You will still have to prove that the vehicle is physically the same vehicle they agreed to insure of course, and it does depend on how your particular policy is worded.

Ads1982

raskazz wrote: »

Hmm, tricky one. The exact policy wording would be helpful. Some initial thoughts:

It looks like you are in breach of a policy condition (usually found under 'general conditions') that requires you to notify the insurer as soon as possible of any changes in your circumstances.

However, the FSA's line is that insurers should not repudiate a claim on grounds of breach of condition where the breach is unconnected with the circumstances of the claim.

Certainly the undisclosed change in registration alone is not connected with the circumstances of the claim. You will still have to prove that the vehicle is physically the same vehicle they agreed to insure of course, and it does depend on how your particular policy is worded.

The exact wording is: "The schedule records the information you gave us, which is the basis on which we have provided insurance to you, and will form part of your contract of insurance. You have a duty to check that this information is true and complete. If it is not and you don't tell is, your contract may be invalid and we may reject or reduce any claim you make or even treat you as being uninsured."

hmmm....the bit about the FSA sounds encouraging. I know I should have told them, and I completely forgot. It's not as if it would have increased my premium or anything..so maybe there is hope. Thanks for the advice!!

missile

It also depends on the attitude of your insurers. A good company will prbably accept your explanation, but a two bit one may prove difficult. I guess you will find out when you phone them tomorrow.